Food commodities giant ADM will invest substantially in expanding its starch production facility in the US to meet the rising demand from F&B sectors and industrial customers for plant-based ingredients. The Minnesota-based project is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2023.

The envisioned capacity will propel the company’s BioSolutions platform and grow its carbohydrates solutions business. BioSolutions delivered US$100 million in annualized revenue in 2021 with a continued swift expansion of US$55 million in new sales growth in 2022, according to ADM. 

The financial details of the current investment have not been released.

“Three years ago, we announced that we would be phasing out production of high-fructose corn syrup at Marshall and expanding starch production to support increasing demand for products like sustainable packaging,” says Chris Cuddy, president, carbohydrate solutions business, ADM.

“In the short time since then, demand has continued to expand, both for food and beverage customers and the broad array of plant-based products that make up our fast-growing BioSolutions platform,” he highlights.

“This significant capacity expansion will help ensure we can continue to meet our customers’ needs across this broad portfolio.”

Plant-based applications at the coreWith this expansion, ADM wants to be on top of global food security and sustainability trends. 
ADM’s BioSolutions platform focuses on meeting the demand for more sustainable products and solutions across various applications, including F&B, packaging and personal care. 

Finite materials and the production of physical waste are a big concern for consumers. A key R&D focus of the platform is plant-based materials and processing practices that reduce waste and energy use from development to disposal.  

“We’re continuing to expand the frontier of what is possible to meet the demand for sustainable, plant-based products and solutions,” Cuddy continues. 

“From our bioplastics agreement with LG Chem to our work with NET Power and 8 Rivers to build a zero-emissions power plant in Decatur, to our advancement of the decarbonization of our footprint, we’re powering growth and living our purpose with the continued evolution of our carbohydrates solutions business,” he outlines. 

Ahead of the growth curve
As the alternative protein market booms, ADM has kept abreast of new approaches and invested in alternative protein sources and consumer drivers that shape the space. 

Findings based on research from the company’s proprietary Outside Voice consumer insights platform revealed what’s next for alternative proteins, which are expected to climb to US$125 billion by 2030.

The company is investing approximately US$300 million to significantly expand its US-based facility in Decatur, Illinois. In addition to boosting the supplier’s soy protein concentrate production – nearly doubling its extrusion capacity – the investment will help scale a new Protein Innovation Center to address the surging global demand for sustainable, alternative proteins.